International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif expressed optimism for a successful Olympic tournament with the return of NHL players next month, despite ongoing delays in arena construction. Tardif assured that while some parts of the arena may not be entirely completed, essential areas such as the playing surface, practice facilities, and dressing rooms will be prepared for the start of the men’s event at the Milan Cortina Games on February 11. The women’s tournament is set to begin on February 5.
Tardif mentioned that the main arena, Hockey 1, will have a capacity of 11,800 seats, slightly below his initial expectations. The NHL’s last Olympic participation was in 2014.
Preparations for the tournament continue as Tardif, along with NHL and NHL Players’ Association officials, will visit Italy for a test event at the venue. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly previously stated that player safety is paramount, emphasizing that the league will withdraw its players if any concerns arise regarding the ice conditions.